PHXPolandCan1-2 (silent)

The film captures the diverse facets of Poland in the 1960s. It starts with the demolition of a building, showcasing urban development, and busy streets in Warsaw. There are glimpses of the iconic CDT building and various construction activities, including cranes lifting concrete blocks. Historical landmarks like the white domed building and Sigismund’s Column in Castle Square are presented. The everyday life of Polish families is depicted with scenes of family dinners, children eating, and domestic routines.

The agrarian side of Poland is highlighted with men and boys pitching hay, farm families, and traditional farming activities. Scenes of farmhouses, feeding chickens, tractors plowing fields, and the manual harvesting of wheat provide a deep dive into rural life.

On the industrial front, viewers get to see shipyards with cranes loading goods onto cargo ships, shipworkers welding, mining activities including steam shovels digging ore, and conveyor belts in action. There are also glimpses of city life with bustling marketplaces, women working on factory lines producing televisions, and business activities. Cultural aspects are touched upon with groups convening in rooms adorned with Polish flags, and traditional gatherings with men in customary attire.

The film doesn’t shy away from showing the country’s challenges, as scenes depict children playing in cement backyards, labor-intensive work, and the stark visuals of a cemetery with rows of crosses. Yet, it also brings to light the nation’s progress, from women working in textile factories, coal mining operations, to modern apartment blocks and playgrounds.

In essence, this film offers a comprehensive view of Poland in the 1960s, merging its rich history, cultural traditions, urban advancements, and rural roots.

We digitized and uploaded this film from the A/V Geeks 16mm Archive. Email us at footage@avgeeks.com if you have questions about the footage and are interested in using it in your project.